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Travel Weekly
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Travel Weekly
Epic Universe: A new era for Universal Orlando Resort
ORLANDO -- Universal Orlando Resort is abuzz with one word: Epic. Executives, media and theme park enthusiasts converged on Central Florida for the May 22 opening of Universal Epic Universe, the third theme park at Universal's Orlando campus, and several days' worth of preopening previews and activities. "We are so excited to welcome you today -- dare I say, emotional — to Universal Epic Universe," said Brian Robinson, executive vice president and chief creative officer of Universal Creative, during a media event. "This park is a game-changer, folks, and the most technologically innovative park we have ever built." Karen Irwin, president and COO of Universal Orlando Resort, said that Epic "changes everything" for Universal's Florida property. "It truly transforms Universal Orlando Resort into more than a full week's vacation destination," she told media during a reception. "And I think you're going to love it." Epic Universe is home to five themed worlds, including Dark Universe; How to Train Your Dragon -- Isle of Berk; Super Nintendo World; and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter -- Ministry of Magic. The Atrium of the British Ministry of Magic in the queue of Harry Potter and the Battle at the Ministry, a ride in Epic Universe. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesiada And the one world that isn't based on intellectual property is the one that centers them all: Celestial Park. Guests enter Celestial through the Chronos Tower, Epic's main portal. It's a dynamic structure that hints at astronomical and mythological elements, a theme that follows throughout Celestial. The backbone of Epic Universe, Celestial welcomes guests at the park's entrance as well as toward the back, through the 500-room Universal Helios Grand Hotel, which has its own dedicated park entrance. Celestial was purposely designed with plenty of greenery and water features, Robinson said. "This is the world that put the 'park' back in 'theme park' -- lush gardens, dancing fountains, serene locations," he said. It is also home to several dining locations, wet-play area Astronomica, the Constellation Carousel and Stardust Racers, a dual-launch coaster with tracks measuring 5,000 feet. The coaster rockets riders up to 133 feet in the air as fast as 62 mph. Fyre Drill is a water ride in How to Train Your Dragon -- Isle of Berk, one of the five worlds in Epic Universe. Photo Credit: Jamie Biesida Adam Rivest, vice president of creative management at Universal Creative, spent the past eight years working on Celestial as one of its producers. "When we approached this project, we wanted to look at something that would be a differentiator for this park," Rivest said. "We looked to the great European gardens and how those have always been a place where people can come together and share experiences and relax and kind of decompress from their week and their days. We felt like that's what Celestial Park wanted to be." The park boasts not only a high thrill in Stardust Racers but also gardens and waterways, spaces where guests can decompress after Epic's other thrills, Rivest said. "I tell everybody to make sure that you take the time to actually experience the space," he said. "Don't live through a camera. Don't live through your phone. Put it away, talk with the people you're with. Use Celestial Park as what it was designed for: a place to connect."
Scottish Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
World's first ‘heli-plane' that takes off vertically & transforms into jet to whisk passengers away at 280mph
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE world's first 'heli-plane' is a glossy mini-jet, capable of ferrying six passengers at 280mph for stylish short-haul travel. And it just hit a major milestone. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 It flies just like a conventional aircraft, but it takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter Credit: Horizon aircraft 6 The mini-jet has 14 fans embedded within its wings that along it to hover off the ground Credit: Horizon aircraft The Cavorite X7, from Horizon Aircraft, made aviation history earlier this month when it became the first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) to achieve a stable wing-borne flight transition using a fan-in-wing design. It flies just like a conventional aircraft, but it takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter. The mini-jet has 14 fans embedded within its wings that allow it to hover off the ground. Before a gas-powered turbine engine pushes the aircraft forward like a normal plane. Brian Robinson, chief engineer and co-founder of Horizon, said: "This incredible achievement validates our unique and robust approach to the transition phase of flight. "In our aircraft, the transition phase was designed from the beginning to be a non-event, as there are no complicated multi-copter rotating nacelles or heavy tilt-wing mechanisms, and we have multiple layers of redundancy. "The result is an extremely safe and stable transition, a vital part of eVTOL operations, and an area in which many of our competitors have faced serious challenges." 6 eVTOLs are expected to work particularly well in urban areas, and some are being sold as 'air taxis' so people can Uber around the skies Credit: Horizon aircraft Many startups around the world are working on eVTOL jets and heli-planes for short-haul flights. They are expected to work particularly well in urban areas, and some are being sold as 'air taxis' so people can Uber around the skies. World's first private jet that can fly 9,000 miles non-stop to launch across US and Europe after breaking records Horizon appears to be yet another company trying to muscle in on the air taxi market. The Canadian aerospace engineering firm believes there are several applications for these jets to be used across civilian life. Though they could also be used in defence, the company says, such as quick rescue missions in hard-to-reach areas. The benefits of the vertical lift means the Cavorite X7 doesn't need a runway to get to you - only a flat surface and an open sky. Almost any H1-H3 rated helipad, aircraft carrier, hospital roof - or even ski resort - could act as a takeoff area for the Cavorite X7. Just as long as the final approach and takeoff area is 1.5 times the overall length of the jet itself, and the touchdown and lift-off area weight isn't exceeded. With a maximum gross weight of 5,500lbs (2,500kg), it can carry a fair bit of luggage - or up to 1,500lbs (680kg) of cargo for vertical takeoffs. It can carry slightly more for conventional runway launches, with a max weight of 1,800lbs (815kg). Horizon says the hammerhead-style jet will be capable of a 288mph cruising speed with an impressive 500mile (800km) range with reserves - which is much further than some competitors. 6 The jet could also be used in defence, says Horizon, such as quick rescue missions in hard-to-reach areas Credit: Horizon aircraft 6 Almost any H1-H3 rated helipad, aircraft carrier, hospital roof - or even ski resort - could act as a takeoff area for the Cavorite X7 Credit: Horizon aircraft
The Irish Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
World's first ‘heli-plane' that takes off vertically & transforms into jet to whisk passengers away at 280mph
THE world's first 'heli-plane' is a glossy mini-jet, capable of ferrying six passengers at 280mph for stylish short-haul travel. And it just hit a major milestone. Advertisement 6 It flies just like a conventional aircraft, but it takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter Credit: Horizon aircraft 6 The mini-jet has 14 fans embedded within its wings that along it to hover off the ground Credit: Horizon aircraft The Cavorite X7, from Horizon Aircraft, made aviation history earlier this month when it became the first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) to achieve a stable wing-borne flight transition using a fan-in-wing design. It flies just like a conventional aircraft, but it takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter. The mini-jet has 14 fans embedded within its wings that allow it to hover off the ground. Before a gas-powered turbine engine pushes the aircraft forward like a normal plane. Advertisement READ MORE ON AEROSPACE Brian Robinson, chief engineer and co-founder of Horizon, said: "This incredible achievement validates our unique and robust approach to the transition phase of flight. "In our aircraft, the transition phase was designed from the beginning to be a non-event, as there are no complicated multi-copter rotating nacelles or heavy tilt-wing mechanisms, and we have multiple layers of redundancy. "The result is an extremely safe and stable transition, a vital part of eVTOL operations, and an area in which many of our competitors have faced serious challenges." 6 eVTOLs are expected to work particularly well in urban areas, and some are being sold as 'air taxis' so people can Uber around the skies Credit: Horizon aircraft Advertisement Many startups around the world are working on eVTOL jets and heli-planes for short-haul flights. Most read in Tech Exclusive They are expected to work particularly well in urban areas, and some are being sold as World's first private jet that can fly 9,000 miles non-stop to launch across US and Europe after breaking records Horizon appears to be yet another company trying to muscle in on the air taxi market. The Canadian aerospace engineering firm believes there are several applications for these jets to be used across civilian life. Advertisement Though they could also be used in defence, the company says, such as quick rescue missions in hard-to-reach areas. The benefits of the vertical lift means the Cavorite X7 doesn't need a runway to get to you - only a flat surface and an open sky. Almost any H1-H3 rated helipad, aircraft carrier, hospital roof - or even ski resort - could act as a takeoff area for the Cavorite X7. Just as long as the final approach and takeoff area is 1.5 times the overall length of the jet itself, and the touchdown and lift-off area weight isn't exceeded. Advertisement With a maximum gross weight of 5,500lbs (2,500kg), it can carry a fair bit of luggage - or up to 1,500lbs (680kg) of cargo for vertical takeoffs. It can carry slightly more for conventional runway launches, with a max weight of 1,800lbs (815kg). Horizon says the hammerhead-style jet will be capable of a 288mph cruising speed with an impressive 500mile (800km) range with reserves - which is much further than some competitors. 6 The jet could also be used in defence, says Horizon, such as quick rescue missions in hard-to-reach areas Credit: Horizon aircraft Advertisement 6 Almost any H1-H3 rated helipad, aircraft carrier, hospital roof - or even ski resort - could act as a takeoff area for the Cavorite X7 Credit: Horizon aircraft 6 With a maximum gross weight of 5,500lbs (2,500kg), it can carry a fair bit of luggage - or up to 1,500lbs (680kg) of cargo for vertical takeoffs Credit: Horizon aircraft
The Sun
21-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
World's first ‘heli-plane' that takes off vertically & transforms into jet to whisk passengers away at 280mph
THE world's first 'heli-plane' is a glossy mini-jet, capable of ferrying six passengers at 280mph for stylish short-haul travel. And it just hit a major milestone. 6 6 The Cavorite X7, from Horizon Aircraft, made aviation history earlier this month when it became the first electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL) to achieve a stable wing-borne flight transition using a fan-in-wing design. It flies just like a conventional aircraft, but it takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter. The mini-jet has 14 fans embedded within its wings that allow it to hover off the ground. Before a gas-powered turbine engine pushes the aircraft forward like a normal plane. Brian Robinson, chief engineer and co-founder of Horizon, said: "This incredible achievement validates our unique and robust approach to the transition phase of flight. "In our aircraft, the transition phase was designed from the beginning to be a non-event, as there are no complicated multi-copter rotating nacelles or heavy tilt-wing mechanisms, and we have multiple layers of redundancy. "The result is an extremely safe and stable transition, a vital part of eVTOL operations, and an area in which many of our competitors have faced serious challenges." 6 Many startups around the world are working on eVTOL jets and heli-planes for short-haul flights. They are expected to work particularly well in urban areas, and some are being sold as 'air taxis' so people can Uber around the skies. Horizon appears to be yet another company trying to muscle in on the air taxi market. The Canadian aerospace engineering firm believes there are several applications for these jets to be used across civilian life. Though they could also be used in defence, the company says, such as quick rescue missions in hard-to-reach areas. The benefits of the vertical lift means the Cavorite X7 doesn't need a runway to get to you - only a flat surface and an open sky. Almost any H1-H3 rated helipad, aircraft carrier, hospital roof - or even ski resort - could act as a takeoff area for the Cavorite X7. Just as long as the final approach and takeoff area is 1.5 times the overall length of the jet itself, and the touchdown and lift-off area weight isn't exceeded. With a maximum gross weight of 5,500lbs (2,500kg), it can carry a fair bit of luggage - or up to 1,500lbs (680kg) of cargo for vertical takeoffs. It can carry slightly more for conventional runway launches, with a max weight of 1,800lbs (815kg). Horizon says the hammerhead-style jet will be capable of a 288mph cruising speed with an impressive 500mile (800km) range with reserves - which is much further than some competitors. 6 6 6
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Horizon Aircraft Achieves Historic Transition to Forward Flight
~ Horizon Aircraft's unique Cavorite X7 eVTOL becomes the first aircraft in the world to achieve a stable transition using a novel fan-in-wing design ~ TORONTO, May 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR), doing business as Horizon Aircraft, an advanced aerospace engineering company and developer of one of the world's first hybrid eVTOL aircraft, announces that it has achieved full wing transition of its large-scale prototype aircraft. 'Today we join a very small group of companies worldwide that have achieved this critical technical milestone,' said Brandon Robinson, CEO and co-founder of Horizon Aircraft. 'From the beginning, we have focused on innovations that make the most operational sense with the best available technology. We are looking forward to proving this next on our full-scale, piloted technical demonstrator that is currently under construction.' 'This incredible achievement validates our unique and robust approach to the transition phase of flight,' said Brian Robinson, Chief Engineer and co-founder. 'In our aircraft, the transition phase was designed from the beginning to be a non-event, as there are no complicated multi-copter rotating nacelles or heavy tilt-wing mechanisms, and we have multiple layers of redundancy. The result is an extremely safe and stable transition, a vital part of eVTOL operations, and an area in which many of our competitors have faced serious challenges.' Horizon Aircraft's patented fan-in-wing technology is based on proven technology that leverages the advantages of modern electric motors and batteries to create a next-generation eVTOL system that enables a simpler, safer, and more efficient way to fly. With projected enroute speeds up to 250 mph and operational ranges over 500 miles with fuel reserves, the hybrid electric Cavorite X7 aims to be a disruptive force in the emerging Regional Air Mobility (RAM) market. For more information about Horizon Aircraft, please see the Company's website or watch its innovative technology in action on the Company's YouTube channel. About Horizon Aircraft Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR) is an advanced aerospace engineering company that is developing one of the world's first hybrid eVTOL that is to be able to fly most of its mission exactly like a normal aircraft while offering industry-leading speed, range, and operational utility. Horizon Aircraft's unique designs put the mission first and prioritize safety, performance, and utility. Horizon intends to successfully complete testing and certification of its Cavorite X7 eVTOL and then scale unit production to meet expected demand from regional operators, emergency service providers, and military customers. Visit for more information. Forward-Looking Statements The information in this press release contains certain 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the 'safe harbor' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words 'believe,' 'project,' 'expect,' 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'intend,' 'strategy,' 'aim,' 'future,' 'opportunity,' 'plan,' 'may,' 'should,' 'will,' 'would,' 'will be,' 'will continue,' 'will likely result' and similar expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ from their expectations, estimates and projections and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. Many factors could cause actual future events to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including but not limited to: (i) changes in the markets in which Horizon competes, including with respect to its competitive landscape, technology evolution or regulatory changes; (ii) the risk that Horizon will need to raise additional capital to execute its business plans, which may not be available on acceptable terms or at all; (iii) the ability of the parties to recognize the benefits of the business combination agreement and the business combination; (iv) the lack of useful financial information for an accurate estimate of future capital expenditures and future revenue; (v) statements regarding Horizon's industry and market size; (vi) financial condition and performance of Horizon, including the anticipated benefits, the implied enterprise value, the expected financial impacts of the business combination, the financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, the products, the expected future performance and market opportunities of Horizon; (vii) Horizon's ability to develop, certify, and manufacture an aircraft that meets its performance expectations; (viii) successful completion of testing and certification of Horizon's Cavorite X7 eVTOL; (ix) the targeted future production of Horizon's Cavorite X7 aircraft; and (x) those factors discussed in our filings with the SEC. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties that will be described in the 'Risk Factors' section of the Proxy Statement and other documents to be filed by New Horizon from time to time with the SEC. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward- looking statements, and while Horizon may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, they assume no obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable law. Horizon does not give any assurance that Horizon will achieve its expectations. Contacts Investors:Matt Chesler, CFAFNK IR(646) 809-2183HOVR@ Media:Edwina Frawley-GangaharEFG Media Relations+44 7580 174672edwina@
